BABIES | TODDLERS | PRESCHOOLERS
2016 YEAR
OFREADINGGUIDE
Building a City of Readers
Your Baby’s | Toddler’s | Preschooler’s
Year of Reading
If you have a little one in your life, it is important to
know that early language and learning development
begins in the first three years of life and is closely
linked to your child’s earliest experiences.
When you talk, respond, sing, read, and play with
your baby, you are actually nurturing and stimulating
the development of your baby’s brain!
Library staff have put together an age-appropriate list
of recommended board books for babies, picture
books for toddlers and preschoolers, as well as
nursery rhymes and fairy tales that you can share with
your little one. Our knowledgeable staff are always on
hand to make additional recommendations.
All you need to start your little one on the road to a
world of adventure through reading is a FREE Calgary
Public Library card and our Year of Reading Guide for
Babies/Toddlers/Preschoolers. Use the Guide to find
your next read with your little one, track progress, or
take notes and share great book suggestions with
family and friends who have little ones of their own.
By the way, the Year of Reading Guide is a series of
one guide each for babies/toddlers/preschoolers,
kids, teens, and adults–so grab as many as you’d like.
Consider giving a Guide to a family member, friend or
neighbour, along with a FREE Calgary Public Library
card. They are available at all community libraries and
online at calgarylibrary.ca/card.
Board Books
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star by Caroline Jayne Church
Board book. 2014. This lovely adaptation of the lullaby will
help sooth your baby to sleep. Learn the words to make it
part of your daily settling down routine.
Audience: Baby.
White on Black by Tana Hoban
Board book. 1993. Simple, solid white objects set against
a black background provide high interest for developing
eyes, and an opportunity to engage your baby as you
“read” together: “look, a duck that looks like your bath toy!”
Audience: Baby.
Peek-a-Who? by Nina Laden
Board book. 2000. Whoooo is hiding on the next page?
Have fun finding out together.
Audience: Baby.
I Kissed the Baby! by Mary Murphy
Board book. 2005.
Join in the excitement of a new baby on the farm through
song, motions, and simple illustrations.
Audience: Baby.
Tickle by Leslie Patricelli
Board book. 2014.
Have fun reading (and tickling) your way through this bright
and colourful book.
Audience: Baby.
PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | 3
Board Books
Dance Baby Dance by Andrea Spalding
Board book. 2009.
Your baby and you will have a hard time sitting still while
sharing this book about getting up and dancing.
Audience: Baby.
Little You by Richard Van Kamp
Board book. 2013. Celebrate the joy of a new arrival in this
rhyming text just perfect for bedtime.
Audience: Baby.
Play by Elizabeth Verdick
Board book. 2014. Your child will engage with the crisp
photos of other babies while you play along with this busy
book.
Audience: Baby.
Baby-Friendly Books
Books with bright and bold illustrations will grab baby’s attention.
“Board books” are easier for a baby to handle (and chew on!).
Big Fat Hen by Keith Baker
Board book. 1994. This classic nursery rhyme with bold,
bright colours and clear illustrations make this an engaging
introduction to numbers and counting.
Audience: Baby, Toddler.
4 | PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | librarybabies.ca
Board Books
Encourage coos, growls, and gurgles
The more your baby practices making sounds, the clearer baby’s speech will
become. Go ahead…moo, woof, and honk!
Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton
Board book. 2012. Bring on the giggles! Discover the silly
rhymes, and adorable animal illustrations that make Sandra
Boynton such a hit among families with very young children.
Audience: Baby, Toddler.
Who Can Jump? by Sebastian Braun
Board book. 2014. A colourful book that is an interactive
guessing game, as well as an introduction to animals and
movement to children. Lift-the-flap books are a wonderful
way to develop young children’s interest in books.
Audience: Baby, Toddler.
Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
Board book. 1982. Who is at the zoo? Lift the flap book to
find out! Available from Calgary Public Library in several
languages.
Audience: Baby, Toddler.
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox
Board book. 2008. A sing-song rhyme celebrating babies
around the world, and their tiny, adorable fingers and toes!
Try counting your babies fingers and toes as a way to further
engage your child with the book.
Audience: Baby, Toddler.
PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | 5
Board Books
Time for Bed by Mem Fox
Board book. 1997. As the day ends, join animals as they
snuggle up with their families and prepare for sleep. The soft
illustrations and gentle rhyme will help young ones settle
into bed.
Audience: Baby, Toddler.
Sing, Read, Repeat
Repeated fun with books will strengthen language development and foster
a love of reading.
Counting Kisses by Karen Katz
Board book. 2001. Perfect for cuddle time, this quiet tale
encourages counting and smooching.
Audience: Baby, Toddler.
A Book of Babies by Il Sung Na
Board book. 2015.
Visit baby animals around the world through simple poetry
and brilliant illustrations.
Audience: Baby, Toddler.
We Love Each Other by Yusuke Yonezu
Board book. 2013. A colourful book full of shapes, animals,
and surprises!
Audience: Baby, Toddler.
6 | PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | librarybabies.ca
Board Books
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Board book. 1987. A classic innovative book that gets ‘eaten’
by the caterpillar is also a child friendly exploration of life
cycles, counting, and colour.
Audience: Baby, Toddler, Preschool.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
by Bill Martin & Eric Carle
Board book. 2012. Learn about colours, rhymes, and rhythm
in this favourite. The repetition in the story helps build reading
skills.
Audience: Baby, Toddler, Preschool.
Train! by Judi Abbot
Board book. 2015. Little Elephant gets upset when others do
not share his obsession with trains, and would rather play
with their own toys. When a mix-up happens, they learn that
sharing interests with friends can be fun too.
Audience: Toddler.
Engaging Books
Books featuring animals or machines invite movement and making sounds.
Books with flaps or different textures to touch keep little hands busy.
Meeow and the pots and pans by Sebastian Braun
Board book. 2012. A celebration of a child’s first musical
instruments: pots and pans, and other household items that
make noise!
Audience: Toddler.
PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | 7
Board Books
Orange Pear Apple Bear by Emily Gravette
Board book. 2008. This simple, but beautiful concept book
explores colours, shapes, and sequence through the use of
only four words.
Audience: Toddler.
Every Day is an Adventure!
Your child will identify with stories about dressing, eating, visiting, napping,
and playing.
My Heart is Like a Zoo by Michael Hall
Board book. 2013. Explore all kinds of feelings with this vibrant
book which uses hearts to depict the animals in the zoo.
Audience: Toddler.
Build Vocabulary
Books include words we don’t use every day and introduce your child to a
rich vocabulary.
The Babies on the Bus by Karen Katz
Board book. 2013. Read aloud or enjoy a lively sing-along with
your child.
Audience: Toddler.
8 | PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | librarybabies.ca
Picture Books
A Kiss Means I Love You by Kathryn Madeline Allen
Picture book. 2012. Captivating photographs and catchy
rhymes about the different ways we communicate without
saying a word!
Audience: Baby, Toddler.
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Picture book. 1947.
Lull your child into a relaxed mood for a good night’s
sleep with this beloved classic…and don’t forget to look
for the mouse in the pictures!
Audience: Baby, Toddler.
Play To Their Favourites
Find books about things your toddler especially likes—trains, animals, the
moon. These books hold a toddler’s attention and build enthusiasm for
reading.
When You Were Born by Emma Dodd
Picture book. 2014. Meet animal babies of all types from all
around the world! A rhyming tale perfect for a bedtime readaloud.
Audience: Baby, Toddler.
Sweetest Kulu by Celina Kalluk
Picture book. 2014. Welcoming Arctic animals and
landscape greet this sweet Inuk baby as his mother’s
bedtime poem quietly soothes.
Audience: Baby, Toddler.
PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | 9
Picture Books
Read Together Every Day
Make this a warm and loving time when the two of you can cuddle close.
Leo Loves Baby Time by Anna McQuinn
Picture Book. 2014. Join Leo and his mom as they talk, sing,
rhyme, and play at the library! Part of a series, this book is a
wonderful way to get your child excited about reading and
ready for their first library program.
Audience: Baby, Toddler.
All Kinds of Kisses by Nancy Tafuri
Picture book. 2012. A snuggly bedtime read-aloud with
loveable animal pictures and plenty of opportunity for
your little one to chime in on the soft animal “kisses.”
Audience: Baby, Toddler.
Hooray for Fish by Lucy Cousins
Picture book. 2005. Swim along with fish and meet his colourful
friends with names that rhyme.
Audience: Baby, Toddler, Preschool.
Big Bug by Henry Cole
Picture book. 2014. To a baby ladybug a mother ladybug is
big but when that mother ladybug lands on your house she is
very small. Sometimes something big can be something small.
Audience: Toddler.
10 | PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | librarybabies.ca
Picture Books
Freight Train by Donald Crews
Picture book. 1978. Little ones learn their colours by watching
the freight train trundle down the track (especially for those train
lovers).
Audience: Toddler.
Baby Bear Sees Blue by Ashley Wolff
Picture book. 2012. Come along with Baby Bear and
his mother and find the vibrant colours in their forest–a
soothing story perfect for bedtime.
Audience: Toddler.
Fire Engine No. 9 by Mike Austin
Picture book. 2015. Whoosh! Brrrriing! Dynamic sound
words and bold illustrations make this an exciting look
at the daily life of firefighters.
Audience: Toddler, Preschool.
Letter Shapes
Circles and triangles are often part of letters. Being able to see shapes will
help children to later recognize letters.
Mr. Gumpy’s Outing by John Burningham
Picture book. 1970. Join Mr. Gumpy on his small boat with a
cast of funny animals. Mayhem ensues but all ends well with
everyone ready to do it again tomorrow.
Audience: Toddler, Preschool.
PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | 11
Picture Books
Baa, Baa, Black Sheep by Jane Cabrera
Picture book. 2015. A happy story about giving with a black
sheep who has too much wool and a small girl who creates
wonderful knitted gifts to keep everyone warm.
Audience: Toddler, Preschool.
Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow
Picture book. 1989. Naughty monkeys keep jumping on the bed
and falling off, keeping Momma and the monkey doctor pretty
busy. Can you sing-along and count how many monkeys fall off
the bed?
Audience: Toddler, Preschool.
In the Small, Small Pond by Denise Fleming
Picture book. 1993. Explore a year in the life of a frog and the
other creatures of the pond through simple rhyme and vivid,
textural illustrations.
Audience: Toddler, Preschool.
Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
Picture book. 2004. Beautiful silvery illustrations help tell the
story of an adventurous kitten who tries to reach the moon,
thinking it to be a big, delicious bowl of milk. The comforting
resolution will leave your own little kittens content and ready
for bed.
Audience: Toddler, Preschool.
Little White Rabbit by Kevin Henkes
Picture book. 2011. Inquisitive children will love following
the innocent rabbit as he explores his world, imagining the
possibilities, and returning home to welcoming snuggles.
Audience: Toddler, Preschool.
12 | PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | librarybabies.ca
Picture Books
Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins
Picture book. 1968. Follow the action in the boldly graphic
pictures of this almost wordless classic featuring Rosie the
hen and her walk through the barnyard.
Audience: Toddler, Preschool.
Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
Picture book. 1994. This beautifully illustrated bedtime
story about a sneaky gorilla’s good-night romp is
the perfect book to share with your child, at night or
anytime.
Audience: Toddler, Preschool.
Red is Best by Kathy Stinson
Picture book. 1982. Kelly knows what she likes: everything
is better when it’s red–no matter what her Mom says.
Audience: Toddler, Preschool.
Press Here by Hervé Tullet
Picture book. 2011. Is it a book, an imagination game or magic?
Follow the instructions in the story and play with the magic
dots!
Audience: Toddler, Preschool.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
Picture book. 2003. Here’s a chance for your child to do the
talking–unless you really want that crazy pigeon to drive the
bus?!
Audience: Toddler, Preschool.
PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | 13
Picture Books
Bear Sees Colours by Karma Wilson
Picture book. 2013. Try to spy the colours along with Bear
and Mouse in this simple rhyming book.
Audience: Toddler, Preschool.
How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food by Jane Yolen
Picture book. 2005. Table manners are challenging–especially
for dinosaurs. Your small dinosaur will enjoy learning along with
these big ones.
Audience: Toddler, Preschool.
Stanley’s Party by Linda Bailey
Picture book. 2012. When his owners are out, fun-loving
Stanley the dog gets into all sorts of trouble with his doggy
friends.
Audience: Preschool.
LMNO Peas by Keith Baker
Picture book. 2012. Learn the alphabet with these cute little
peas who do exciting things such as going into space, biking
in a race, and being acrobats.
Audience: Preschool.
Be Silly & Have FUN!
Read to your child with humour and expression. Use funny voices.
14 | PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | librarybabies.ca
Picture Books
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett
Picture book. 2014. A clever and imaginative look at what
happens when two brothers go in search of the extraordinary.
Audience: Preschool.
The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton
Picture book. 2015. A charming, funny story about an
unconventional princess and pony who defy their own
(and others) expectations.
Audience: Preschool.
Canada 1 2 3 by Kim Bellefontaine
Picture book. 2006. Count your way across Canada with
this vibrantly illustrated counting book with a patriotic twist.
Audience: Preschool.
Z is for Moose by Kelly L. Bingham
Picture book. 2012. Learn the alphabet with this silly
book about a zebra who just wants to put on an orderly
alphabet show, and the moose who is too excited to
wait for his turn.
Audience: Preschool.
The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland
Picture book. 2009.
A humorous rhyming book about four animal friends who
try to cheer up a cranky bear, and, along the way learn about
empathy and kindness.
Audience: Preschool.
PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | 15
Picture Books
Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown
Picture book. 2013. One day, a very prim and proper Mr.
Tiger decides he wants to let loose, be free, and have fun.
Beautiful illustrations highlight lessons about following
your heart.
Audience: Preschool.
The New Small Person by Lauren Child
Picture book. 2014. What happens when you are adored by
Mom and Dad and they bring home a brand new sibling?
Audience: Preschool.
Me and You by Geneviève Côté
Picture book. 2009. Rabbit and Pig are friends but very, very
different. Celebrating our differences is what makes us all
special.
Audience: Preschool.
Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
Picture book. 2005. Want the kids to get into their pajamas and
jump into bed? Use this story to encourage your little llamas
that comforting parents are not far away.
Audience: Preschool.
Gaston by Kelly DiPucchio
Picture book. 2014. Proper pooch Gaston and rough-andtumble Antoinette switch homes for a day, learning important
lessons about family and belonging.
Audience: Preschool.
16 | PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | librarybabies.ca
Picture Books
Go Away Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley
Picture book. 1992. Kids will have monstrous fun chasing away
their fears in this vibrant interactive story book.
Audience: Preschool.
Bark, George by Jules Feiffer
Picture book. 1999. George is a puppy whose mother asks him
to bark, but he can only meow, moo or oink. You’ll be in for
giggles galore when you find out why!
Audience: Preschool.
Problem Solving
Use books and stories to help children think of their own solutions to
problems.
Corduroy by Don Freeman
Picture book. 1968. Join Corduroy in his quest for
a button for his overalls, and rejoice when he finds
something much more important! This classic
heartwarming tale begs to be shared with a new
generation of readers.
Audience: Preschool.
When Stella Was Very, Very Small by Marie-Louse Gay
Picture book. 2009. Kids will be filled with wonder when
they read about the magic and marvels experienced in little
Stella’s endearing and imaginative world.
Audience: Preschool.
PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | 17
Picture Books
Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall
Picture book. 2015. This is the story of Red, a blue crayon with a
label that just doesn’t suit him, and how he learns to let his true
colour shine. A freeing, insightful tale that will engage any child
(or adult) who tends to colour outside the lines!
Audience: Preschool.
Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Picture book. 1962. Winner of the Caldecott Medal for
illustration, The Snowy Day highlights Peter’s adventures
in the snow–reminding your child of all the fun you can
have in winter, no matter how small you are.
Audience: Preschool.
Becoming a Storyteller
Once children are familiar with a story, let them tell you what will
happen next.
Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin
Picture book. 2008. Groove with Pete the Cat as he learns all
about colour by stepping into lots of different colours in his new
white shoes! Be sure to discover the many Pete the Cat stories…
he’s one cool cat!
Audience: Preschool.
Sleep Like a Tiger by Mary Logue
Picture book. 2012. Visually beautiful, this creative,
reassuring book captures a conversation between a ‘nottired’ child and her patient parents. Another good bedtime
read.
Audience: Preschool.
18 | PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | librarybabies.ca
Picture Books
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin
Picture book. 1989. The natural rhythm of this cheery alphabet
tale where colourful letters chase each other up to the top of a
coconut tree makes it a fun read-aloud and chant.
Audience: Preschool.
The Night World by Mordicai Gerstein
Picture Book. 2015. Nighttime turns to sunrise while a little
boy and his cat, who awaken early, watch. Glorious detailed
illustrations.
Audience: Preschool.
Thank You and Good Night by Patrick McDonnell
Picture book. 2015. A little girl gives her stuffed animals an
adorable and fun pajama party; a nice read for bedtime.
Audience: Preschool.
I Stink! by Kate & Jim McMullan
Picture book. 2002. A lively garbage truck, who enjoys his
work, enthusiastically relates his daily activities in an alphabet
of delectable trash.
Audience: Preschool.
How To by Julie Morstad
Picture book. 2013. Use your imagination as you and your child
learn “how to” in simple happy ways in this dreamy retro story.
Audience: Preschool.
PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | 19
Picture Books
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
Picture book. 1986. You’ll both love this funny storytelling
about a parent’s love–a love that lasts forever.
Audience: Preschool.
Mortimer by Robert Munsch
Picture book. 1985. Everyone gets involved when this
rambunctious boy doesn’t want to go to sleep. It has a
great sing-along chant! Mortimer is a great story for staying
awake!
Audience: Preschool.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
Picture book. 1985. A chaotic chain of events will be set in
motion if you feed this hungry little traveller. A fun story to read
aloud.
Audience: Preschool.
The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli
Picture book. 2013. Find out what happens when a funny
crocodile with a wild imagination accidentally swallows a
watermelon seed.
Audience: Preschool.
Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
Picture book. 2006. Use your imagination and become
transported to a world where anything is possible.
Audience: Preschool.
20 | PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | librarybabies.ca
Picture Books
Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Picture book. 2012. Explore the beauty of the colour green
with this conceptual picture book.
Audience: Preschool.
I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry
Picture book. 2007. This loveable squid is much bigger than
most. Bold art and simple text make this funny story a fun
read-aloud.
Audience: Preschool.
Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and Their
Monkey Business by Esphyr Slobodkina
Picture book. 1947. When mischievous monkeys steal a peddler’s
caps, how will he get them back? The humorous and predictable
story in this book will encourage both laughter and participation
from your child.
Audience: Preschool.
One Family by George Shannon
Picture book. 2015. What makes a family? Find out together
in this interactive counting book.
Audience: Preschool.
Print is everywhere!
Talk about the written words you see around you. Ask your child to
find a new word on each outing.
PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | 21
Picture Books
Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip Christian Stead
Picture book. 2012. A cozy story of autumn, the circle of
seasons, and warm friendships between Bear and his forest
chums.
Audience: Preschool.
Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard
Picture book. 2007. Feeling grumpy? So is Bird…until his
animal friends finally cheer him up with their antics in this
brightly cartooned story.
Audience: Preschool.
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr.Seuss
Picture book. 1960. “Do you like green eggs and ham?” An old
favourite filled with those kooky-looking characters, plenty of
rhymes, and nonsense.
Audience: Preschool.
Story Structure
Reading picture books helps a child learn how a story is structured.
Can you find the beginning, middle, and end?
Ask Me by Bernard Waber
Picture book. 2015. A sweet conversation shared between
father and child on a simple walk. A good way to discover more
about your child.
Audience: Preschool.
22 | PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | librarybabies.ca
Picture Books
Scaredy Squirrel by Mélanie Watt
Picture book. 2006. Scaredy Squirrel is a worrier…but that
doesn’t stop his zany plans from making us laugh–a lot.
Audience: Preschool.
Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems
Picture book. 2012. Spoofing the fairytale classic, this Goldilocks
is enticed by dinosaurs who have cooked some delicious
chocolate pudding–but, oops!, she discovers she’s in the wrong
story.
Audience: Preschool.
The Napping House by Audrey Wood
Picture book. 1984. A quiet nap turns into something
quite different in this fun cumulative story. The mist-filled
illustrations showing a “stack” of sleeping animals demands
long looks. A good story to wake up to and tell again and
again!
Audience: Preschool.
Silly Sally by Audrey Wood
Picture book. 1992. Silly antics, bright pictures and easy
rhythmic text will make your little reader want to join Silly Sally
and her friends in their parade to town.
Audience: Preschool.
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
Picture book. 1987. Go owling with a little girl and her dad in the
quiet nighttime woods in this winner of the Caldecott Medal for
illustration.
Audience: Preschool.
PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | 23
Nursery Rhymes and Folk Tales
Snuggle Up With Mother Goose by Iona Archibald Opie
Board book. 2015. Get cozy and comfortable with this book of
rhymes and selected poems. This book is perfect for soothing
your baby at any time of day.
Audience: Baby, Toddler.
My Very First Mother Goose, illustrated by Rosemary Wells
Picture book. 1996. A collection of classic Mother Goose
nursery rhymes aimed at young children, including “Hey
Diddle Diddle,” “Pat-a-Cake,” “Little Jack Horner,” and many
more.
Audience: Baby, Toddler, Preschool.
Sing a Song of Bedtime by Barbara Reid
Picture book. 2015. A small, but well-chosen collection of
lullabies and nursery rhymes that will send your child off to
dreamland! Illustrated in Barbara Reid’s signature plasticine
artwork.
Audience: Baby, Toddler, Preschool.
The Tortoise & the Hare by Aesop
illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Picture book. 2013. Who is faster, a hare or a tortoise?
Once there was a Hare who liked to brag about how
fast he could run. To teach him a lesson, a tortoise
challenged him to a race.
Audience: Preschool.
The Mitten: A Ukrainian Folktale by Jan Brett
Picture book. 1989. Walking through the woods on a
cold winter day, a boy drops his snow-white mitten. As
each forest animal crawls into the mitten to get warm,
the mitten stretches and stretches until…
Audience: Preschool.
24 | PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | librarybabies.ca
Nursery Rhymes and Folk Tales
Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola
Picture book. 1975. When Strega Nona leaves her helper, Big
Antony, alone with her magic pot, he causes all sorts of havoc
when the pot creates a flood of pasta.
Audience: Preschool.
Something from Nothing by Phoebe Gilman
Picture book. 1992. When Joseph gets older and his baby
blanket becomes worn, his grandfather snips and sews it into
ever smaller items. When there is finally nothing left, Joseph has
an idea how to make something from nothing.
Audience: Preschool.
The Raven and the Loon by Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley
Picture book. 2013. Conflict arises between Raven and
Loon at the most inopportune time–when they are
decorating their all-white feathers! A retelling of an
Inuit traditional story.
Audience: Preschool.
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PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | 25
FREE Programs for Your Little
COLOSSAL CALGARY PLAYDATE!
Play builds the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Come prepared to
PLAY with your baby or toddler at the biggest and best playdate ever!
Offered at various times & locations (90 min)
Ages 0-3, with parent/caregiver
No registration required
BABY RHYME TIME
Welcome your baby to the Library! Enjoy songs, rhymes, and stories that
will make your baby smile. Parents/caregivers experience the pleasure
and power of songs, rhymes, and stories in building early literacy skills
with their baby.
6-week program (45 min each week)
Ages 0-12 months, with parent/caregiver
Registration required in some library locations
BABY BOOKWORMS
Have fun sharing books, rhymes, and songs with your little one. Parents/
caregivers will learn what books work best for sharing with baby, as well
as adding new and more active songs, rhymes, and stories.
6-week program (45 min each week)
Ages 13-23 months, with parent/caregiver
Registration required in some library locations
DROP-IN FAMILY STORYTIME
Drop in for stories, songs, and finger plays the whole family can enjoy.
Weekly (30 min)
Ages 2-5, with parent/caregiver
No registration required
For complete details, please visit your community library,
calgarylibrary.ca or call 403.260.2620 to register.
26 | PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | librarybabies.ca
One!
BABY’S FIRST LIBRARY CARD
Library cards are FREE! Visit your community library or calgarylibrary.ca/card
PRESCHOOLERS 2016 YEAR OF READING GUIDE | 27
“If
you want your
children to be intelligent,
read them fairy tales.
If you want them
to be more intelligent,
read them more fairy tales.”
- Albert Einstein, Physicist
01/15/30,000